529 Savings Aren’t Just for College!

Times have changed, so we’re just going to get straight to the point – 529 savings plans aren’t just for college anymore. That’s right, we said it! And more parents need to hear it. We repeat: 529 savings can be used FOR MORE than just college! Is your student interested in becoming a carpenter? What about pursuing a trade as a dental hygienist or digital animator? Are you considering sending your kids to a private elementary or secondary school as they get older? A state 529 plan can cover all of this and more! With an Achieve Montana 529 savings plan account, your savings today can encourage your kids to pave their own way tomorrow – even, and especially, if that doesn’t include a typical college education. Designed for tax benefits now and savings for the future, Achieve Montana offers a simple and affordable way to save for all of their (and your) future dreams and goals. And, the best part is that savings grow right along with them, no matter how many times they change their mind.

Still on the fence?

Check out all the tax-free ways you can use the funds in an Achieve Montana 529 savings plan account:

Trade Schools

A four-year college degree isn’t the path for everyone, and we love that! Savings in an Achieve Montana account can be used to pursue a post-secondary education at eligible trade schoolsall across the country. In other words, funds can be used to receive the necessary technical training for jobs ranging from medical and electrical to legal and even creative design work!

Apprenticeships

Call it career-seeking, soul-searching, or purpose-finding – whatever the season, an apprenticeship is a great way to receive both on-the-job training and classroom education, while sometimes getting paid. Not only can 529 funds be used to pay for apprenticeship programs, but the savings can also be put toward associated fees, books, supplies, and equipment. To qualify, all apprenticeships must be registered and certified with the Secretary of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act.

K-12 Tuition

Education matters even when they’re little. Achieve Montana participants can use up to $10,000 annually for tuition at elementary or secondary public, private, and religious schools.

Education-Related Expenses

We’ve said it once, but it’s so good that it’s worth mentioning twice! Funds in an Achieve Montana account can be used toward a variety of eligible education expenses, including tuition, mandatory fees, books and supplies, equipment, room and board costs, and even certain expenses for a special-needs student. Learn more about qualifying expenses on our FAQ page.

College & Graduate School

Four-year or two-year. In-state or out-of-state. Public or private. Whatever their career path (or yours), savings in a 529 account can be used toward tuition expenses at eligible colleges and graduate schools nationwide. If you can dream it, Achieve Montana can help you save for it!

Loan Repayment

We hate to admit it, but statistics tell us that student loan debt is the second-highest debt category in the nation. With an Achieve Montana 529 savings plan, you can both reduce that burden and use up to $10,000 (lifetime limit per individual) toward the repayment of principal or interest on qualified education loans of a beneficiary or a beneficiary’s sibling. Learn more.

Continuing Education

You know what they say – learning is for a lifetime. And, we’re right there with them! While you may not be able to imagine it now, funds in an Achieve Montana account can go a long way in furthering your career later on down the road. Think about professional development programs and certifications like EMS training, teaching certificates, online courses, and more!

At the end of the day, their future isn’t limited, and neither are the ways you can save.

Learn more about Achieve Montana and open a savings account for as little as $25 today.

Disclamer

For more information about Achieve Montana, download an Enrollment Kit at achievemontana.com or call 877.486.9271. The Enrollment Kit includes a Program Description that discusses investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing.

If you are not a Montana taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s qualified tuition program.

Achieve Montana is sponsored by the State of Montana and administered by the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education, as sole trustee of the Montana Family Education Savings Trust. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services, LLC provides program management, recordkeeping and administrative support services for Achieve Montana. Blackrock Fund Advisors, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., New York Life Insurance Company and the Vanguard Group, Inc. each provide investment management services for the underlying investments comprising Achieve Montana’s portfolios.

Except to the extent of the New York Life Insurance Company guarantee that is available for the Capital Preservation Portfolio and certain of the Year of Enrollment Portfolios, investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in Achieve Montana.

Photo of student reading a piggy bank is near to remind us to save for education.

5 Ways to Get the Most out of Your Achieve Montana Account

You’ve opened an Achieve Montana account, you’ve named a beneficiary, you’re excited for what’s ahead, but now what? How do you go from making the occasional contribution to helping your children step into their dreams in a matter of years? We get it, even when you’re on the right track (way to go!), saving for education can seem like a daunting pursuit. But, with the right tools and resources, it doesn’t have to be. No matter where life takes them – college, trade school, or somewhere in between – these next five steps will give you the confidence to help them get there.

May 22, 2024 No Comments

Why Consider Trade School?

When it comes to graduating or pursuing higher education opportunities outside of high school, many students are faced with one overwhelming question: What do I want to do next? A question that even many adults continue to struggle with throughout their life. And yet, the “societal norm” is for 18-year-olds to have it all mapped out prior to moving their tassel over on graduation day. But what if you don’t? Or even more, what if you do and your dream career or next step doesn’t include the typical college pathway?

May 6, 2024 No Comments

A picture of a diploma and mortarboard next to stacked coins.

Kick Student Loan Debt to the Curb

At the end of last year, student loan debt in the U.S. totaled $1.74 trillion. That makes for an average student loan payment of more than $393 per month. And while loan forgiveness initiatives are up in the air every few months, here’s one thing that’s for sure – saving early can outweigh both the costs and stress of paying for college and higher education.

April 8, 2024 No Comments